Miami put true freshmen Shaq Quarterman, Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney on the field to start its season-opener, which it won 70-3. Backups Gordinier, redshirt sophomore Mike Smith and sophomore Charles Perry played in the first half. Redshirt sophomore Terry McCray saw action late in re game.

Gordinier was “banged up” early in the game, coach Mark Richt told reporters Sunday evening. He did not comment further. Miami released its statement after Richt’s chat with the media.

Gordinier is a 6-foot-4, 235-pound weak-side linebacker from Red Bank Catholic High in New Jersey. He was a three-star recruit in the 2015 signing class.

Miami’s most experienced linebacker, junior Darrion Owens, did not play against FAMU. He is recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained last Sept. 11. He is several weeks from returning, according to team sources.

Last week, UM dismissed senior Jermaine Grace after it determined he and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad committed NCAA violations when they dealt with a luxury rental car agency in Miami Beach. Muhammad was also dismissed. UM also dismissed junior linebacker Juwon Young, a key reserve, in July as part of the same reason.

Miami linebacker Jamie Gordinier (Matt Porter)

Author: Matt Porter

Matt Porter grew up in Gloucester, Mass., graduated from Emerson College and worked for the Boston Globe before joining the Post in 2009. He covers the University of Miami and college sports, and pitches in on coverage of South Florida sports teams including the Miami Heat and Miami Marlins.
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